‘You are too much in this modern world, that’s why you are like this’: Understanding perceptions of mental health among Somali people in London

Abstract

AbstractThis is a qualitative study exploring the perceptions of mental health among Somali people living in London. Participants, over the age of 18 and identifying as Somali, were recruited from a community centre in West London. Seven participants were recruited, and semi-structured interviews were conducted to better understand perceptions of mental health, care-seeking, treatment and different understandings of these issues within their community. Interview transcripts were imported into NVIVO version 14 to be coded, and description-focussed thematic analysis was used to interpret key themes.Concerns around judgement, shame and stigma are key issues affecting attitudes towards mental health in this group. Other important issues affecting conceptualisations and attitudes towards mental health were intergenerational differences, isolation from the community, stigma and secrecy. Participants also reported the importance of protective factors, particularly faith and family in their lives. This research adds to existing literature in exploring perceptions of mental health in Somali communities in the UK, and such research is helpful in identifying cultural barriers to recognition and treatment of mental health within this community.